We live in a time when there is a great amount of opposition toward the Church, the gospel, and Jesus Christ. Because of that, it is easy to assume that open hostility is the greatest danger that the Church and its mission face. But the truth is that the more significant threat comes from within. It comes from false teachers who do not attack the Church and the gospel openly but instead join the Church and corrupt her from within. For this reason, Christians need to be discerning about what they are taught. This does not produce an aloof skepticism of pastors and teachers, but it should create in us a desire to know our Bibles so well that we will not be drawn astray by clever, spiritual-sounding words. We need to be alert to “The Problem of False Teachers” (2 Corinthians 11:7-15).

I. How to Spot a True Shepherd
A. Humility
B. Truth
C. Love

II. How to Spot a False Shepherd
A. Pride
B. Deceit
C. Abuse